China Payment Methods: How to Pay with Alipay, WeChat & Cards

If you’re planning to visit China, here’s something you should know. Cash won’t get you far anymore because most stores, restaurants, and even small stalls only accept digital payments. You might find it hard to buy even a bottle of water without a mobile wallet. But don’t worry, this guide will show you the best ways to pay in China so you can travel, shop, and enjoy your trip without any stress.

💳Mobile Payment in China: Alipay and WeChat Pay

China’s mobile payment system is one of the most convenient in the world. Almost everyone, from big malls to small food stalls, uses QR codes for payment. If you don’t set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip, you might find it hard to buy simple things like snacks, drinks, or train tickets.

How Alipay and WeChat Pay Work

Alipay (by Alibaba) and WeChat Pay (by Tencent) let you pay by scanning QR codes. Instead of using cash or cards, you just do one of these:

👉 Scan the shop’s QR code. The store or vendor will show a printed code at the counter. You scan it with your app, type the amount if needed, and confirm the payment.

👉 Let them scan your code. Open your app and show your personal payment code. The cashier scans it and the payment goes through instantly. This is common in supermarkets, metro stations, and bigger shops.

Once you confirm, the money is taken right away from your linked card or wallet balance. It is fast and easy with no need for PINs or signatures.

Can Filipinos Use Alipay and WeChat Pay? (Yes, You Can!)

Good news. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay now accept foreign cards. You can link your Visa or Mastercard issued in the Philippines. In the next part, I will show you how to set them up so you can pay smoothly anywhere in China.

💳 UnionPay and Credit Cards: Are They Enough?

If you are thinking, “I’ll just use my Visa or Mastercard in China,” here’s the truth. International credit cards rarely work there. Unlike in the Philippines where you can pay by tapping your card almost anywhere, China’s system mainly uses UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.

🏦 UnionPay vs Visa and Mastercard: Where They Work

UnionPay is China’s version of Visa or Mastercard, but it is not as common as mobile payments. You can use it in major hotels, department stores, and ATMs, but most small shops, food stalls, and taxis only take Alipay or WeChat Pay.

If you want to get a UnionPay card in the Philippines, some banks like BDO, BPI, and PNB offer them. It is good to have for big purchases such as hotel stays or electronics, but not for daily use. For Visa and Mastercard, they are mostly accepted in luxury malls, high-end hotels, and airports only.

💡 Should You Get a UnionPay Card?
Yes, it can be a good backup. It is helpful for big transactions like hotel payments or shopping at large stores. But for your daily spending such as meals, snacks, or metro rides, Alipay and WeChat Pay are still the most convenient.

💰 Cash and Other Payment Methods in China

Many Filipino travelers still wonder, “Can I use cash in China?” The short answer is yes, but it is not the best option. China is now almost completely cashless. Some stores still accept cash, but it is getting rare, especially in cities.

If you plan to use cash, try to exchange some Chinese yuan (RMB) before your trip or withdraw from ATMs that accept international cards.

💡 Pro Tip: If you really need to carry cash, get small bills like ¥10 or ¥20. Many small shops or food stalls do not have change for big notes like ¥100.

💳 Other Payment Methods in China

Aside from Alipay and WeChat Pay, here are a few other ways you can pay, though they are not as convenient:

• UnionPay QuickPass: Works like Visa or Mastercard but uses QR codes. It is accepted in some stores, but not as common as Alipay or WeChat Pay.
• Bank Payment Apps: Some local banks such as ICBC or Bank of China have their own apps for payments. These are mostly for locals with Chinese bank accounts.
• Stored Value Cards: Used for buses and trains in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing. For example, the Shanghai Public Transport Card.
• Foreign Exchange Counters: Found in international hotels or tourist spots where you can exchange pesos or dollars to RMB.

These options can help in certain situations, but for everyday use, Alipay and WeChat Pay are still the easiest and most reliable ways to pay in China.

📱 Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Alipay and WeChat Pay

Setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay before flying to China will make your trip smoother and stress-free. It helps you save time and lets you pay easily anywhere. Here’s how to set up both apps before your trip.

1️⃣ How to Set Up Alipay

Download the App

• Open the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).
• Search for Alipay and download it for free.

Verify Your Identity

• Open the Alipay app and sign up using your Philippine phone number.
• Enter your passport details for verification.
• Take a clear photo of your passport and follow the steps on screen.
• Wait for approval. Once verified, your account is ready to use.

Link a Card or Add Balance

• Tap “Me” at the bottom right, then select “Balance.”
• Choose “Add a Bank Card.”
• Enter your card details. Alipay accepts Visa and Mastercard issued in the Philippines.
• Once linked, you can top up your balance or pay directly from your card.

💡 Tip: Alipay is usually easier for Filipino travelers to set up. Once done, you can use it anywhere from small shops to train stations.

2️⃣ How to Set Up WeChat Pay

Download the App

• Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play.
• Install and sign up using your phone number.

Verify Your Identity

• Open WeChat and go to “Me” at the bottom right, then tap “Wallet.”
• If the wallet is not active, ask a friend in China to send you a small amount. This will help activate your wallet.
• You will also be asked to verify your passport details. Complete all steps until your account is approved.

Link a Card or Add Balance

• Go to “Me” > “Wallet” > “Cards.”
• Tap “Add a Card” and enter your Visa or Mastercard issued in the Philippines.
• Once added, you can pay through QR codes in shops, restaurants, or taxis.

💡 Tip: WeChat Pay is widely used for daily payments in China. Having it ready gives you more options, especially when some vendors only accept WeChat.

💸 How to Pay Using Payment Apps in China

Now that you have set up your Alipay or WeChat Pay account and linked your card, you are ready to start paying. Here is how to use each app when you shop, eat, or travel in China.

1️⃣ How to Pay with Alipay

Alipay is simple to use once you have it set up. You can pay in two main ways:

✅ Present and Pay

• Open your Alipay app and go to your payment code.
• Show your payment QR code to the cashier.
• The merchant will scan your code, and the payment will go through instantly.

✅ Scan and Pay

• At many shops, cafés, or stalls, the store will display their QR code.
• Open Alipay, tap “Scan”, and point your camera at the merchant’s code.
• Enter the payment amount if needed and confirm.
• You will see a “Payment Successful” message right away.

💡 Tip: Alipay works in most shops, restaurants, taxis, and even vending machines. It is perfect for travelers who want quick and easy payments without needing cash.

2️⃣ How to Pay with WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay offers several ways to pay depending on where you are and what you are buying.

🧾 Quick Pay

Open your WeChat app, tap “Me” > “Services” > “Wallet” > “Money.”
Show your personal payment QR code, and the cashier will scan it. This is the fastest way to pay in stores and restaurants.

📲 QR Code Payment

If the shop has its own QR code, tap “Scan” in the app, point your camera at their code, and enter the amount to pay. You’ll see a confirmation message once the payment is done.

🛍️ In-App Payment

When you book hotels, order food, or shop online through partner apps, choose WeChat Pay at checkout. The payment will process instantly without leaving the app.

🌐 In-App Web Payment

Some brands or stores share links or QR codes in WeChat posts or Official Accounts. Tap the link or scan the code to open a product page and pay directly through WeChat.

✈️ Travel to China Confidently Now!

If you’re planning a trip to China, make sure to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly. It will save you a lot of time and stress once you arrive. While UnionPay can be a good backup for hotel or big purchases, it is not enough for everyday spending like food, transport, or shopping.